Boonyarit Keattikun wins second edition of Singapore Snooker Open

The second edition of the Singapore Snooker Open saw Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham face off against compatriot Boonyarit Keattikun, and it was the latter who emerged victorious.

Boonyarit Keattikun (left) of Thailand wins the final during the Singapore Snooker Open held at the SAFRA Toa Payoh Clubhouse on December 23, 2016 in Singapore. Photo: Sport Singapore

Saengkham won the first three frames easily with century breaks before a series of mistakes allowed Keattikun to come back and snatch the eventual 5-4 win.

“When I was down 0-3, I tried to forget my losses and just start every frame afresh,” said Keattikun.

“When I started winning, my confidence came back and that was how I overcame my deficit to win the game.”

Despite the loss, Saengkham was happy for his good friend and fellow Thai.

“I wanted to achieve a few more centuries, but when I couldn’t do it, a bit of frustration set in, but nonetheless, I’m happy that we finished at the top.”

Noppon Saengkham of Thailand in action during the Singapore Snooker Open final. Photo: Sport Singapore

Despite it being the second edition, the Singapore Snooker Open is drawing attention from professionals such as Keattikun and Saengkham, who are helping increase the level of competition and prestige of the tournament. Both Thais are previous winners of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Under-21 Snooker Championship.

According to organisers Cuesports Singapore, this year’s tournament featured 32 players, with nine international players hailing from China, Hong Kong, Thailand and causeway neighbours, Malaysia.

The first edition saw only four foreign participants. Marvin Lim won the first edition.